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Capitol AccessReports on Louisiana politics and government - and the people shaping state policy - from Sue Lincoln and Wallis Watkins.enTue, 26 Sep 2017 21:21:58 +0000NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Amy JeffriesAmy Jeffriescpadmin@publicbroadcasting.netReports on Louisiana politics and government - and the people shaping state policy - from Sue Lincoln and Wallis Watkins.noReports on Louisiana politics and government - and the people shaping state policy - from Sue Lincoln and Wallis Watkins.noWRKFcpadmin@publicbroadcasting.nethttp://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/treasurer-candidates-quizzed
While the Democratic candidate for State Treasurer – Derrick Edwards -- was a no-show, the three leading Republicans fielded reporters’ questions at the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday. Since all of them have said they would pattern their term, if elected,Treasurer Candidates QuizzedWhile the Democratic candidate for State Treasurer – Derrick Edwards -- was a no-show, the three leading Republicans fielded reporters’ questions at the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday. Since all of them have said they would pattern their term, if elected, on former treasurer John Kennedy’s “watchdog” persona, the first question was: what do you see as the Treasurer’s main role?sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)73312 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netTue, 26 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/surplus-so-tempting-fiscal-diet
Have you ever been on a strict diet, counting every calorie, journaling every bite you take? For lawmakers, the state budget process has been like that for quite some time. But now legislators are being told: “The confidence that we are going to end lastSurplus? So Tempting On A Fiscal DietHave you ever been on a strict diet, counting every calorie, journaling every bite you take? For lawmakers, the state budget process has been like that for quite some time. But now legislators are being told: “The confidence that we are going to end last year in a surplus is there.”sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)73226 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netMon, 25 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/leftover-money
There’s good state financial news, for a change. “Revenue is finally exceeding – slightly – the forecast.” After Governor John Bel Edwards made that statement on his monthly radio show Wednesday, it was confirmed during Thursday’s Revenue EstimatingLeftover MoneyThere’s good state financial news, for a change. “Revenue is finally exceeding – slightly – the forecast.” After Governor John Bel Edwards made that statement on his monthly radio show Wednesday, it was confirmed during Thursday’s Revenue Estimating Conference meeting.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)73170 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netFri, 22 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/senator-cassidy-driving-latest-health-care-reform-bill
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, along with South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, is leading the latest effort to repeal and replace Obamacare in the U.S. Senate.Senator Cassidy Driving Latest Health Care Reform BillLouisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, along with South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, is leading the latest effort to repeal and replace Obamacare in the U.S. Senate.wallis@wrkf.org (Wallis Watkins)73141 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netThu, 21 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Wallis Watkins120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/undecided-leads-treasurers-race
“Probably the majority of the electorate doesn’t even know the new state Treasurer will be selected on October 14 th ,” says Jeremy Alford of lapolitics.com . The usual indicators of an imminent election aren’t there. Yard signs for local church fall"Undecided" Leads in Treasurer's Race“Probably the majority of the electorate doesn’t even know the new state Treasurer will be selected on October 14 th ,” says Jeremy Alford of lapolitics.com . The usual indicators of an imminent election aren’t there. Yard signs for local church fall fairs are more prevalent than those for the candidates. Campaign ads on TV have been rare.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)73103 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netWed, 20 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/dcfs-gets-grant-help-caseworker-turnover
We hear it a lot – “reduce the size of government”. But what happens when you actually do? Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says in the past decade, they’ve had to cut 30 percent of their workforce.DCFS Gets Grant to Help With Caseworker TurnoverWe hear it a lot – “reduce the size of government”. But what happens when you actually do? Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says in the past decade, they’ve had to cut 30 percent of their workforce.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)73068 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netTue, 19 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/private-meetings-and-public-contradictions
The approaching fiscal cliff has prompted a whole lot of meetings lately – behind closed doors. “I’m very optimistic that we’re going to get it done, working with these business roundtable meetings and the legislative leadership in both the House and thePrivate Meetings and Public ContradictionsThe approaching fiscal cliff has prompted a whole lot of meetings lately – behind closed doors. “I’m very optimistic that we’re going to get it done, working with these business roundtable meetings and the legislative leadership in both the House and the Senate,” Governor John Bel Edwards said, following his meeting with business leaders in Bossier City last week. In the past month, he has also met with business owners and representatives in Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Houma, and New Orleans. However, House Appropriations chairman Cameron Henry isn’t favorably impressed. “He’s doing these roundtable meetings with business leaders -- not to ask them how he can help expand their business,” Henry says, in a video posted to his Facebook page late last week. “Instead, it’s how can your company give the state more money so we can continue spending.” Henry’s video post came one day after the Associated Press published an interview with House Speaker Taylor Barras, about his meetings with Housesue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)73029 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netMon, 18 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/tops-grown-folks
“We have to find a way to fund TOPS for grown folks,” says Louisiana Community and Technical College System president Monty Sullivan, especially since the system now has the responsibility for adult education in the state -- a huge task.TOPS For Grown Folks“We have to find a way to fund TOPS for grown folks,” says Louisiana Community and Technical College System president Monty Sullivan, especially since the system now has the responsibility for adult education in the state -- a huge task.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72966 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netFri, 15 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/whats-utility-worth
What is a power plant, water company, or railroad worth in Louisiana? Much more than Monopoly money. “If they did this different methodology, which is supported by national organizations and which other states use, the value of these companies wouldWhat's A Utility Worth?What is a power plant, water company, or railroad worth in Louisiana? Much more than Monopoly money. “If they did this different methodology, which is supported by national organizations and which other states use, the value of these companies would increase by $2.4 billion.”sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72954 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netThu, 14 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/psc-candidates-field-forum-questions
Should Louisiana allow utility companies to compete? That’s one of the questions posed to Public Service Commission candidates at a forum Tuesday.PSC Candidates Field Forum QuestionsShould Louisiana allow utility companies to compete? That’s one of the questions posed to Public Service Commission candidates at a forum Tuesday.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72941 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netWed, 13 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2017-dedicating-funds
Today we continue the conversation with Public Affairs Research Council president Robert Travis Scott, looking into the proposed constitutional amendments on the October 14 th ballot. Amendment 3 sets up a new dedicated fund for transportationProposed Constitutional Amendments 2017: Dedicating FundsToday we continue the conversation with Public Affairs Research Council president Robert Travis Scott, looking into the proposed constitutional amendments on the October 14 th ballot. Amendment 3 sets up a new dedicated fund for transportation construction.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72879 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netTue, 12 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2017-property-taxes
There’s a trio of proposed constitutional amendments on the October 14 th ballot, and PAR’s Guide to the Amendments is out now. “We don’t tell you how to vote. We give you all the facts and let you make up your own mind,” says Public Affairs ResearchProposed Constitutional Amendments 2017: Property TaxesThere’s a trio of proposed constitutional amendments on the October 14 th ballot, and PAR’s Guide to the Amendments is out now. “We don’t tell you how to vote. We give you all the facts and let you make up your own mind,” says Public Affairs Research Council executive director Robert Travis Scott.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72794 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netMon, 11 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/working-louisiana-who-profits
“Our state economy is growing, but those benefits are not accruing to workers.” That’s the conclusion of the 3 rd biennial report on “ The State of Working Louisiana ”, issued by the Louisiana Budget Project Thursday. “The good news is the state hasWorking in Louisiana: Who Profits?“Our state economy is growing, but those benefits are not accruing to workers.” That’s the conclusion of the 3 rd biennial report on “ The State of Working Louisiana ”, issued by the Louisiana Budget Project Thursday. “The good news is the state has replaced all of the jobs lost during the Great Recession, plus added an additional 53,000 jobs – as of June 2017,” says LBP policy analyst and the report’s lead author Jeannie Donovan. “The bad news is business profits are consuming an increasing percentage of state economic output, and wages are not keeping pace with state productivity growth.” The report is based on data compiled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Current Population Survey. It shows 52% of the total state economic output is going toward business profits, rather than into raw materials, taxes, salaries or wages. Co-author Nick Albares notes that the part that is going to pay workers is being distributed far from equitably, with the top ten percent of Louisianasue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72737 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netFri, 08 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/tops-task-force-meets-first-time
The task force charged with reviewing the TOPS scholarship program held its first meeting Wednesday at the Capitol.TOPS Task Force Meets For First TimeThe task force charged with reviewing the TOPS scholarship program held its first meeting Wednesday at the Capitol.wallis@wrkf.org (Wallis Watkins)72685 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netThu, 07 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Wallis Watkins120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/state-supreme-court-looks-constitutionality-charter-funding
The Louisiana Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on the constitutionality of funding Type-2 charter schools through the MFP. “Those are public schools. The state has an obligation to fund those schools,” Erin Bendily, the state Assistant SuperintendentState Supreme Court Looks at Constitutionality of Charter FundingThe Louisiana Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on the constitutionality of funding Type-2 charter schools through the MFP. “Those are public schools. The state has an obligation to fund those schools,” Erin Bendily, the state Assistant Superintendent of Education says.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72641 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netWed, 06 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/treasurer-hopefuls-campaigning-endorsements
With Labor Day behind us, campaigning for the October 14th state Treasurer’s race should finally ramp up, though it’s been decidedly ho-hum so far. U-L Monroe Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says there’s a good reason for that.Treasurer Hopefuls Campaigning for EndorsementsWith Labor Day behind us, campaigning for the October 14th state Treasurer’s race should finally ramp up, though it’s been decidedly ho-hum so far. U-L Monroe Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says there’s a good reason for that.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72561 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netTue, 05 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/shift-happens
A crucial part of recovery from Harvey involves making sure southwest Louisiana’s roads and bridges are safe for travel. “ We’ve got closures because of washouts on our system, and bridges that -- after any event like this -- we have to inspect,” saysShift HappensA crucial part of recovery from Harvey involves making sure southwest Louisiana’s roads and bridges are safe for travel. “ We’ve got closures because of washouts on our system, and bridges that -- after any event like this -- we have to inspect,” says DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72560 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netMon, 04 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/harvey-turns-more-attention-nfip-renewal-need
Few can dispute the need for the National Flood Insurance Program, considering the devastation wrought by Harvey. “The imperative to get it reauthorized, I think the exclamation point has been provided by Harvey, but we didn’t need Harvey to tell us howHarvey Turns More Attention to NFIP Renewal NeedFew can dispute the need for the National Flood Insurance Program, considering the devastation wrought by Harvey. “The imperative to get it reauthorized, I think the exclamation point has been provided by Harvey, but we didn’t need Harvey to tell us how important flood insurance is,” says Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. And when Congress returns to work next week, Louisiana’s delegation will be leading the effort to renew NFIP, which expires September 30 th . “Senator Cassidy has a bill to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, as does Senator Kennedy,” Edwards states. The National Flood Insurance Program is currently $25-billion in the red, with less than $8-billion available to pay the claims that will arise out of Harvey. Senator John Kennedy says prior to this latest hurricane, he heard some say NFIP subsidizies Louisiana citizens at the expense of the rest of U.S. taxpayers. “There are some in Congress that think: Everybody in Louisiana lives on the water. Move!”sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72433 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netFri, 01 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/harvey-relief-how-help
Governor John Bel Edwards says while Louisiana will have some picking up to do after Harvey, “Things are not as bad as had been forecasted, and so we’re very thankful for that.” He says our neighbors to the west were not nearly as fortunate.Harvey Relief: How To HelpGovernor John Bel Edwards says while Louisiana will have some picking up to do after Harvey, “Things are not as bad as had been forecasted, and so we’re very thankful for that.” He says our neighbors to the west were not nearly as fortunate.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72393 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netThu, 31 Aug 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/harvey-arrives-bringing-flashbacks
Harvey makes his second landfall this morning in Louisiana. “ Then it will basically track diagonally across Louisiana from southwest Louisiana up through the northeast corner,” Governor John Bel Edwards says.Harvey Arrives, Bringing FlashbacksHarvey makes his second landfall this morning in Louisiana. “ Then it will basically track diagonally across Louisiana from southwest Louisiana up through the northeast corner,” Governor John Bel Edwards says.sue@wrkf.org (Sue Lincoln)72337 as http://wrkf.drupal.publicbroadcasting.netWed, 30 Aug 2017 08:00:00 +0000Sue Lincoln120